Carved lacquer is a decorative technique in which many thin layers of lacquer are built up on a base, often of wood or metal, and then carved in relief once the thickness is sufficient. The best-known form is Chinese cinnabar lacquer, coloured a rich red with mercury sulphide, although black, green, yellow and layered multicolour lacquers were also carved.
Lacquer is made from the sap of the lacquer tree, and each layer must dry and harden before the next is applied, so a deep piece might require dozens or even hundreds of coats and many months of work. Carved lacquer flourished in China from the Song and Yuan dynasties, reached a high point in the early Ming period with boldly carved floral and figurative designs, and enjoyed renewed imperial patronage under the Qianlong Emperor in the eighteenth century. Typical objects include boxes, trays, dishes, vases, screens and small furniture. The technique was also practised in Japan. Collectors look for depth and fluency of carving, rich colour and good condition, as cracks, losses and restoration are common. Many later Chinese pieces and moulded imitations exist, so specialist advice is often needed.
